See full version: What Is the C on NFL Jerseys
The "C" patch also includes a series of stars underneath the letter that indicates the number of years a player has held the position. For each additional year of service as a captain, one star is filled in gold. [links]
The "C" on an NFL player's jersey indicates that he is a team captain. While teams have internally named team captains for years, the league started officially recognizing them in 2007, allowing up to six players per team to wear the captain's "C" on their jerseys.
Some teams choose not to use the NFL's system, so their players don't wear the "C" patch. These teams appoint their own captains using an internal system, such as naming different captains on a week-to-week basis. [links]
The NFL introduced the team captain program in 2007, allowing teams to choose up to six captains and officially recognize the chosen players' leadership skills. Although not mandatory, most teams have implemented a version of the captain tradition to show respect and to honor the outstanding locker room and gridiron commanders. [links]
The four stars under the "C" patch on some NFL uniforms indicate the number of years the player has acted as one of the team's captains, according to NFL.com. Players may be assigned or voted into the captain's role, and for each year of service, one of the stars is colored gold. The captain designation is considered an honor, and players wear their patches with pride.
In the 2013 season, the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks voted three players as captains. Veteran defensive end, Red Bryant, and special teams player, Heath Farwell, both earned their second gold stars in 2013, having also served as captains in 2012. Second-year starting quarterback, Russell Wilson, distinguished himself on and off the field, demonstrating strong leadership and commitment to excellence, and earning his first captain's gold star. Each Seahawk captain is known for his ability to motivate the team in the locker room, rally the troops on the sideline and lead by example on the field. [links]
Although the aim is to make the game safer, it’s a highly controversial change. Last month, for instance, San Francisco cornerback Richard Sherman tweeted: “There is no ‘make adjustment’ to the way you tackle. Even in a perfect form tackle the body is led by the head. The rule is idiotic And should be dismissed immediately. When you watch rugby players tackle they are still leading by their head. Will be flag football soon.” here
Have a question about the NFL? Ask Times NFL writer Sam Farmer, and he will answer as many as he can online and in the Sunday editions of the newspaper throughout the season. Email questions to: sam.farmer@latimes.com more
Farmer: The new rule that bans players on either side of the ball from lowering their helmets to initiate contact is not reviewable, and therefore cannot be challenged. The Competition Committee could decide to change that, but at the moment the word of the officials is final.
Under the current system, it doesn’t matter if that player has been a captain with another franchise. He starts over with four white stars. So, for instance, Rams tackle Andrew Whitworth has only two gold stars, even though he has been a captain 10 times in his career — the first eight with the Cincinnati Bengals, where he wore a gold C. There’s a movement afoot to change the league rules, so those accrued years carry over, even if a player switches teams. more
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Can penalties under the new hitting or “leading with the head” calls be challenged and/or reviewed? here
Whitworth said it’s particularly meaningful if captains are voted in by their teammates, as opposed to being chosen by coaches. In Cincinnati, for instance, Marvin Lewis has selected captains unilaterally in some seasons. With the Rams, it’s a team vote. more
Farmer: Beginning in 2007, the NFL allowed teams to designate as many as six captains per season. Each of those players wears a “C” on the upper right corner of his chest. There are four stars underneath the C that designate the number of years of service as a captain. Those are changed from white to gold for each year the player has been a captain with that franchise. When a player reaches five years of service, he gets a gold C with four gold stars underneath.
“I think of it like a military badge,” Whitworth said. “It gives an honor or certain respect to people about that player, and what he has been through and accomplished.” more
Although the aim is to make the game safer, it’s a highly controversial change. Last month, for instance, San Francisco cornerback Richard Sherman tweeted: “There is no ‘make adjustment’ to the way you tackle. Even in a perfect form tackle the body is led by the head. The rule is idiotic And should be dismissed immediately. When you watch rugby players tackle they are still leading by their head. Will be flag football soon.” here